Wu Xiaoqi. [Jinling Evening News]

As the TV documentary, Masters in the Forbidden City, becomes popular among audiences, behind-the-scenes renovators garner attention across the nation. Recently, Wu Xiaoqi has become an internet sensation for her exquisite skills in repairing historical relics.

Wu said she was fond of painting when she was young and her father liked collecting, so she was subconsciously guided by her father to choose this major. In 2013, she was admitted by Nanjing University of the Arts to major in historical renovations.

Wu said one of her greatest hobbies is painting, especially oil painting. "Having a good understanding of painting has helped me a lot in renovating historical relics," she said.

Wu recalled spending 3-4 weeks repairing a calendar made in the Republic of China (1912-1949) period. She said the artifact had to be cleaned, mended, assembled, adjusted and tested, until it is completely restored. Then it goes to the warehouse for storage.

Dong Feng, a professor at Nanjing University of the Arts, said the university established its renovation major in 2005, and it has become very popular among the students. Undergraduates have found better paying jobs in cultural preservation fields.

According to a group of statistics released by the university, in recent years, the university recruits some 40 students in this major every year, and more than 3,000 students apply.

The major is becoming well respected and many parents and children hope to learn these techniques to preserve culture as they support their livelihoods.

(Source: Jinling Evening News/Translated and edited by Women of China)

By Li ChenEditor: Jane Wang